Take time to reflect on life

Linda Perry

Christmas Eve is finally here and after all the shopping, cooking, present wrapping and rushing around is done, it is time to stop and enjoy yourself.

It is often a quiet time here at Chestnut Tree House, as the families choose to be at home, not knowing if this will be the last Christmas together with their whole family.

Just because it is Christmas, the children don’t stop being ill and many still require round-the-clock nursing care.

Their families do not always have time to do the things all the rest of us take for granted, and our Community Team are busy in providing a 24-hour-a-day service for children who are sadly at the end of their life.

So please, pause for a moment on Christmas Day, and think of those families, and our dedicated care team.

After Christmas, back at Chestnut Tree House, there’s time to relax as we have to tidy up after all the festivities and then begin to get ready for the next set of families due to arrive once the holiday is over.

As I walk around Chestnut Tree House at this time of year, I am reminded of so many memories, both happy and sad. I am so privileged to work at such a special place with such very special people.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Chestnut Tree House over the past year – I hope you will continue to support us in the New Year.

I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

Chestnut Tree House, in Dover Lane, Arundel, cares for over 280 children and young adults from 0-25 years of age with progressive life-limiting conditions.